Zero Emission School Bus Acquisition Requirements

Beginning July 1, 2027, school districts may only purchase or lease zero emission school buses when entering new purchase or lease contracts. School districts are exempt from this requirement if:

• The Commissioner of Social Services waives the requirements;
• Zero emission bus acquisition, recharging, or refueling equipment would result in unreasonable costs to the school district; or,
• Vehicles do not meet performance requirements.

Zero emission school buses may be powered by electricity or hydrogen. Before acquiring a zero emission bus, school districts must create a workforce development report that estimates the impact of zero emission buses on employment opportunities, identifies maintenance staff training needs, and estimates costs to train employees in how to operate zero emission buses and infrastructure.

(Reference New York Consolidated Laws Education Section 3638)